For the second straight year, the NFL lost one of its best young players to an unexpected retirement announcement. Last offseason, Andrew Luck decided to call it a career before turning 30, and now, Luke Kuechly is doing the same.
On Tuesday night, he announced his retirement with an emotional video, stepping away from football after eight years in the NFL. He has a history of concussions and said he doesn’t feel like he can continue to play a fast and physical style of football – which he says is required to play at the highest level.
Rams safety Eric Weddle reacted to the news by calling Kuechly a legend, saying the NFL “lost a great one.”
Rams cornerback David Long Jr. was also shocked by the news, sharing this tweet after Kuechly’s announcement.
Kuechly is one of the best linebackers to come into the NFL in the last decade, making seven Pro Bowls and being a five-time All-Pro selection. He also won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.
